The programme – Outline of the programme

Our 18-month training programme consists of placements within each of the major parts of the UK organisation. You’ll not only learn about the operations of the business area, but gain practical hands-on experience of working as part of their teams. There will also be the opportunity to work overseas as part of the worldwide Geodis organisation – our last graduates had a placement in Australia within the Freight Forwarding division.

You will be offered a permanent position upon completion of the programme that is representative of the experience that you’ve gained.

The programme of placements will be:

Business Development & Sales – working to deliver new business while managing the selling of services to our existing customers.
Network Groupage Operations – our UK and European distribution service with daily delivery services to over 30 countries.
Freight Forwarding Operations – providing our customers with global freight management solutions.
Logistics – delivering both warehousing and supply chain management solutions for our customers.
Combined Support Functions – this will include time spent with HR, H&S, IT, Finance, Internal Communications & Marketing.
Business Systems – responsible for the multiple systems that are critical to the successful day-to-day running of our successful business.
Direct Road Services – managing our extensive fleet of vehicles and the delivery of a secure and time-critical dedicated distribution service throughout the UK and Europe.

On top of this, you’ll enjoy a wide range of in-house development activities and courses – all designed to build your business and leadership skills, knowledge and personal effectiveness.

OUR CURRENT GRADUATES

Read about the experiences of our current graduates and find out what they really think of the programme…

Rachel Meredith

Name:Rachel Meredith

Geodis Graduate 2013/2014

University Attended: The University of Sheffield

Degree: BSc Geography

1.What made you apply for the Geodis Graduate Programme?: Every company in the world uses logistics in some form, and I thought the Geodis Graduate Programme was a fantastic opportunity to enter the diverse industry. With no prior experience, the rotational structure of the programme was a great chance to learn various parts of the freight and logistics business, finishing the 18 month scheme with a good overall knowledge. I was keen to have variety of work, which would be demanding and require me to learn new and develop existing skills. From research, Geodis UK stood out as an emerging and upcoming company, so the potential for growth and development was also very appealing.
2.Did you have any previous experience in the Supply Chain/Logistics Sector?: I did not have any experience in the supply chain/logistics sector before starting the graduate programme with Geodis UK.
3.Did you have any other experience considered relevant to the programme, prior to commencing?: I had transferable skills gained from completing my three year undergraduate degree, an open mind and a willingness to learn!
4.What have your placements involved so far? What areas of the business have you covered?: My first placement was in Geodis Wilson HQ, at London Heathrow. I spent 3 months in the Industrial Projects team learning the general day-to-day operations involved in freight management for our Oil & Gas customers, touching on Marine Logistics. My second placement took me to Geodis Calberson in Magna Park Lutterworth, where I spent time in contract logistics learning the roles of customer service, stock control and operations. I returned back to Geodis Wilson for my third placement, spending time in the Marketing Team and Internal Sales. This was a very interesting placement as I learnt the company’s global commercial policy and the vertical markets and trade lanes the company was targeting. I have also spent time in IT, supporting the helpdesk team. My last placement before my secondment to Australia was in Finance, learning the functions of Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable.
5.What has been your favourite placement so far?: That is a very difficult question! The variation between all of the placements has given me a huge breadth of knowledge of Geodis UK and also the industry. I have worked with some fantastic people who have all been very friendly and helpful, immediately making me feel like part of their team. The opportunities that have come my way have been incredible. Some highlights have been receiving my low level order picking machine license, listening to CEO Marie-Christine Lombard discuss the company’s mission, vision & values and a trip to the Falkland Islands!
6.What challenges have you faced whilst being on the Graduate Scheme?: The most challenging aspect of the graduate programme for me was understanding the industry jargon, as this business particularly likes to abbreviate words! I must credit my colleagues who were all very patient and happy to explain the terminology to me when I asked. I have found it helpful to make myself a little dictionary for all new industry related words that I come across.
7.What do you feel you have gained from the programme?: With no background in supply chain/logistics, I have obviously learned a great deal about the workings of this industry. Although my time at University equipped me with a lot of transferable skills, it has been great to be able to put them in to practice and also continue to develop these skills in a work place. I particularly feel I have gained a lot more self confidence, knowing I can adapt to new environments and change.
8.You’re currently on placement in Australia – can you tell us a bit about what you’ve been doing out there so far and what lies ahead?: I have spent two months working in the Customs Team for the Geodis Wilson Australia branch in Melbourne. I have been involved in job registration on EDI, also helping the team map a process flow chart for this role. I have come away with a good understanding of the processes involved in custom tariff classification, tariff concessions, calculation of duty and GST, and quarantine. I have also learned the role of ocean freight cartage, the process by which shipping containers are lifted from the Warf, unpacked and delivered. Over the two months I have discovered a lot about GW Australia customers, as well as an overall picture of Australia’s exports/imports and the competitors in the industry. The key learning I took away from the secondment, was GW Australia’s focus on the customer, with multiple employees taking on a customer service role, and a huge drive to create fantastic online eServices.
9.What tips do you have for potential applicants for this programme?: You must be a person who can adapt well to a changing environment and have a passion to learn, as you are required to meet new people and learn new jobs every 3 months! It is an exciting journey!

Niall Morgan

Name: Niall Morgan

Geodis Graduate 2013/2014

University Attended: University of Ulster

Degree: BScHons Business Studies with DIS

1.What made you apply for the Geodis Graduate Programme?: I have always had a keen interest in the logistics industry and the Geodis program stood out from the rest as it offers a muli-modal logistics experience to include Road/Sea/Air/Rail and part of the business even includes supply chain optimization within a global organization. There is no other company that appears to offer graduates such hands on experience, involvement and support.
2.Did you have any previous experience in the Supply Chain/Logistics Sector?: Yes, I grew up working in a road transport and distribution company specializing in the refrigerated FMCG sector throughout the UK & Europe. I already had experience in different roles, from warehousing to getting my truck license and becoming a qualified CPC Transport Manager.
3.Did you have any other experience considered relevant to the programme, prior to commencing?: I also worked within the HQ of a large Northern Ireland based retailer with over 30 stores throughout Ireland. This enabled me to gain exposure and experience in real world business activities within the retail sector to include stock control, accounting and financial reporting for the senior management in HQ and the entire business. It built confidence in my team leading skills and problem solving abilities, achieving a commendation from the directors for my work.
4.What have your placements involved so far? What areas of the business have you covered?: The first placement began within the Calberson part of the business, DRS (Direct Road Services); this side of the business handles full loads throughout Europe. I was given exposure to the day to day operations, the challenges they face and the software packages and technology they use on a daily basis to operate their fleet. I gained experience of the operating system, fleet telematics, drivers’ hours and route planning to name just a few. I was also given projects to work on in between times, including preparation for the French Eurotoll system and, as the daily operations included frequent cross border transport, I applied on behalf of Geodis UK for the UK Border Agency Accreditation and created a system for Geodis to follow which was then accredited. This led to both time and money being saved. I travelled to Germany and Paris with one of the Calberson trucks visiting some of the largest customer depots based in the European mainland.
Geodis Wilson – Liverpool Control Tower. – For my second placement I was sent to the Liverpool branch where I stayed in a hotel in the city centre during the week. I worked as part of the Control Tower team which oversees the UK’s largest account, Twinings. I was actively involved in assisting them with their operations specifically air and sea shipments, creating reports and monitoring shipments of tea from all over the world, even as far away as China.
Fortec Pallet Network – As part of the Calberson group I worked in the Fortec hub, which is a pallet distribution network based in Northampton, covering the UK and Ireland with 72 other member partners. I was involved in IT side of the business, learning how the Fortrack operating system operates as well as other general IT business functions. Within the finance department, I spent time learning how payments were made between the member partners and helped with month end accounting and reporting.
Geodis Network HQ – Based in High Wycombe, I experienced spot quoting and organizing/routing new jobs, and was actively involved in the initial setting up and managing first point of contact for the daily groupage collections and deliveries to the south coast England and Channel Islands. I was involved in all aspects from operations to accounts and customer services.
Geodis Wilson Australia – Current
5.What has been your favorite placement so far?: I don’t think I could limit it down to just one placement. For me each placement has been unique, rewarding and each has their own highlights. From being involved in organizing full loads/groupage collections/deliveries in trucks throughout the UK and Europe to overseeing the global air/sea shipments for Twinings all over the world. Of course travelling to work for two months in Australia is pretty amazing too.
6.What challenges have you faced whilst being on the Graduate Scheme?: The biggest challenge for me has been improving my confidence. Starting a new job and going into a new part of the business with new surroundings every three months and meeting new people made me nervous to begin with, but I’ve been able to work on this and now I would say, I would be fairly comfortable to walk into any business or branch, start a conversation with the staff there and get on well with them. It helps knowing I have the support from my mentor – if I did have a problem I could mention it to him to ask for advice.
7.What is your best experience to date and what do you feel you have gained from the programme?: For me, I’ve enjoyed being able to take a step back and gain an overview of how each individual unit operates and then see how each part of the supply chain fits together on a global scale. For example, seeing goods being transported by air or sea from China to the UK, going through customs clearance, then being transported by road to a warehouse for storage and finally being picked and packed and delivered to the customer. Having an understanding and knowledge of this entire process is extremely valuable and insightful. As part of the programme, being involved in the senior management meetings also gave me an insight of how management develops strategic plans and then actively attempts to keep on target on both a branch and national level.
8.You’re currently on placement in Australia - can you tell us a bit about what you’ve been doing out there so far and what lies ahead?: Leaving winter behind and landing in Australia just at the beginning of their summer was great. I’m currently working in the Melbourne branch and have been expanding on my air/sea logistic knowledge. I have been involved in a wide range of activities, including the managing of air/sea shipments and learning about the Australian customs clearance/quarantine and cartage procedures. I’m getting to see what is involved from the importing side when we send shipments from the UK to Australia.
During the weekends and evenings after work I have time to sit back and overlook the Port of Melbourne from a 26th floor city centre apartment. I’ve visited local attractions such as the Victoria market to do the weekly shop, have had BBQs in the park and ventured around the city exploring; as well as heading down to the beach to chill out. Upcoming plans ahead include taking a trip down to the Great Ocean road, visiting the aquarium and Melbourne Zoo and to have a Melbourne branch BBQ with all the staff; but who knows what else may come up over the next number of weeks!
9.What tips do you have for potential applicants for this programme?: I would advise them that if they are keen, willing to work and are seriously interested in learning about logistics, then this is the program for them. It is a great opportunity to become part of a global company that offers all the support and help to build and develop your career.
Also, apply quickly, before the program fills up! Oh… and Make sure your passport is up-to-date!